5 Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon

Description

Monterey County Monterey County reflects dry coastal areas, cooled by the bay with the slightly warmer inland areas that are perfect for varietals like Cabernet. There are enough warm days to ripen the grapes, but the marine influence is ever present. Due to the cool growing conditions, harvest is typically two weeks later than other regions, allowing for a long season and slow fruit maturation that results in incredible concentration. The steep slopes and rolling hills provide good drainage, while cool Monterey soil temperatures limit crop size and ultimately contribute further to the intensity of flavor.Vintage 2010 was the coolest vintage in over a decade for most of the state. The spring was unusually rainy and cool, delaying canopy growth but ultimately resulting in fairly robust canopy size. Summer and fall were mild, with no significant heat events, even through the harvest season. October rain storms that impacted growing regions to the North failed to reach the Central Coast, allowing time for prolonged ripening for varieties like our CabernetWinemaking Notes At Five Rivers Winery our winemaking approach always begins with the goal of expressing the bright fruit qualities of each individual varietal, and showcasing the distinct character and terroir of different regions of Californias Central Coast. The Cabernet was fermented on the skins until it reached zero brix, then gravity drained to press with fermentation going to dryness off the skins. Fairly intense extraction was accomplished by short pump-overs four times per day. Individual lots were vinified and aged separately until final blending, egg white fining and bottling.The 2010 Five Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon leads with aromas of black cherry and herbal sagebrush, with a nice hint of toasty oak. In the mouth, rich, velvety tannins and black fruit flavors complemented by fine grained oak. – Five Rivers